Rubio: 'No Country' Can Charge for Traffic in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has rejected Iran's talk of imposing fees on vessels transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. In a statement released on Wednesday, June 23, Rubio emphasized that such a move would be prohibited under international law.

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, with a significant portion of the world's crude oil passing through daily. Iran has previously threatened to disrupt traffic in the waterway, but this is the first time it has explicitly mentioned charging ships.

Rubio made clear that no country has the right to levy charges on navigation in international waters, and that any such attempt would constitute a breach of established norms. He also warned that the United States would take action to uphold the principle of freedom of navigation in the region.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear program and its support for regional proxies. The security of the Strait of Hormuz is of paramount importance to the global economy, and any threats to traffic could trigger volatility in oil prices.

Iran has not yet officially responded to Rubio's comments, but regional analysts suggest that the rhetoric may be part of Iran's negotiating strategy.